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PTSD Treatment Program in Florida
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health issue resulting from trauma. It can affect anyone at any age and occurs after witnessing or being part of a traumatic event. Many people who struggle with substance use disorder also have PTSD. Sometimes, PTSD results from the experience of addiction, while other times, drug or alcohol use is an effort to mask the symptoms of post-traumatic stress. There are healthier ways to cope with trauma, however, than self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. If you’ve witnessed trauma in your life, and you’ve developed a substance use disorder as a result, a dual diagnosis treatment plan can help you recover from both conditions. In Florida, Gulf Breeze Recovery provides an excellent PTSD treatment program.
What Causes PTSD?
Many people think of soldiers returning from war when they hear the term “PTSD.” And military trauma can indeed cause this disorder. However, many other events may contribute as well. As a result, anyone can develop post-traumatic stress for many reasons, including:
- Experiencing domestic violence
- Being abused or neglected in childhood
- Living through a sexual assault
- Witnessing an act of terror
- Surviving a car crash
Any situation that causes you to fear for your life or for the lives of others and that leaves you feeling helpless can contribute to post-traumatic stress. However, if you treat your symptoms with drugs or alcohol without the advice of a physician, it will only make things worse. In this situation, a PTSD treatment program can improve your life dramatically.
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD may vary according to the individual. Generally, however, they affect most areas of life. PTSD may cause you to feel unreasonable fear when you’re reminded of the initial traumatic incident. Additionally, feelings of hopelessness and despair may be common threads that run through your days. You may experience night terrors or nightmares, and you may suffer flashbacks that make you feel as though you’re reliving the event.
To heal from the wounds of trauma, you must work through them. A PTSD treatment program is a good place to start. Here, you can find a behavioral counselor to help you face your fears and memories. As a result, you’ll have a better chance of overcoming them, and healing can take place.
Common symptoms include:
- Intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
- Avoidance of people and activities that trigger memories of trauma
- Negative changes in mood and thinking
- Irritability and angry outbursts
- Self-destructive behavior
- Being easily startled or frightened
How a PTSD Treatment Program Can Help
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Prolonged exposure therapy (PET)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Medication
Often, an integrated care program that combines one or more types of therapy works well. For example, CBT combined with medications such as antidepressants or benzodiazepines is often quite helpful. As a participant in a PTSD treatment program, you’ll meet with a licensed psychiatric counselor trained in treating trauma. Your counselor will help you redirect negative thoughts and cognitive distortions in more positive ways. They’ll help you see the world more realistically instead of through the lenses of trauma. As a result, depression and feelings of helplessness may lift. You may regain your sense of empowerment and be able to relegate your trauma to the past instead of re-experiencing it every day.
Choose Gulf Breeze Recovery for PTSD Counseling in Florida
For those struggling with trauma and substance use disorder in the Gulf Breeze area, Gulf Breeze Recovery is a solid solution for PTSD counseling in Florida. Our experienced team includes experts in the psychology of trauma, and we know how to help you find relief from the feelings of fear and panic that impede your life. Call us today at 833.551.2304 for enrollment information, or visit us online to view our gallery and peruse our list of services.
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